IPad Mini

This article is about the line of devices. For the first device marketed with this name, see iPad Mini (1st generation). For the device currently marketed with this name, see iPad Mini (7th generation).
Not to be confused with iPod Mini.

iPad mini
DeveloperApple Inc.
ManufacturerFoxconn, Pegatron[1]
Product familyiPad
TypeTablet computer
Release dateNovember 2, 2012; 12 years ago (2012-11-02) (1st generation)
Operating systemiOS (2012–2019)
iPadOS (2019–present)
ConnectivityWiFi and cellular
Online servicesApp Store, iTunes, Game Center, iCloud, FaceTime, iMessage
Websitewww.apple.com/ipad-mini/
This article is part of a series on the
iPad
List of iPad models

The iPad Mini (branded and marketed as iPad mini) is a line of small tablet computers developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is a sub-series of the iPad line of tablets, with screen sizes of 7.9 inches and 8.3 inches. The first-generation iPad Mini was announced on October 23, 2012, and was released on November 2, 2012, in nearly all of Apple's markets.[2][3][4][5] It featured similar internal specifications to the iPad 2, including its display resolution.

The iPad Mini 2, with an A7 processor and a Retina display, was announced on October 22, 2013, and released on November 12, 2013. The iPad Mini 3 was announced on October 16, 2014 and was released on October 22, 2014, alongside the iPad Air 2; it features the same external hardware as the Mini 2 and the addition of a Touch ID fingerprint sensor compatible with Apple Pay.[6] On September 9, 2015, Apple released the iPad Mini 4; which is a smaller version of the iPad Air 2. On March 18, 2019, Apple released the fifth-generation iPad Mini with support for the Apple Pencil alongside the third-generation iPad Air. The sixth-generation iPad Mini was announced on September 14, 2021 alongside the ninth-generation iPad, with both devices being released on September 24, 2021. Matching the new design language of the current Pro and Air iPads, features included a larger 8.3-inch full-screen display, USB-C port (instead of Lightning), top button with Touch ID (with home button removed), and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil. The seventh-generation iPad Mini was announced in a press release on October 15, 2024 and released on October 23, 2024. Featuring a near identical design to the sixth-generation, this model came with a more powerful A17 Pro chipset, allowing for Apple Intelligence features with iPadOS 18. Problems with "jelly-scrolling" in the previous model has also been reduced. This model additionally supports the Apple Pencil Pro, but drops support for the second-generation Pencil due to a change in magnets.

  1. ^ Lai, Richard (September 17, 2012). "Pegatron reportedly nabs 50 to 60 percent of iPad mini orders, breaks up Foxconn's monopoly". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  2. ^ "Apple iPad mini will be Available on November 2". Gadgetian. October 23, 2012. Archived from the original on March 9, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
  3. ^ "iPad Mini Release Date Is November 2nd (For Wi-Fi Models)". WebProNews. October 24, 2012. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  4. ^ "Apple – iPad – Compare iPad models". Apple. October 24, 2012. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  5. ^ "Apple iPad Mini Available for Pre-order in Thailand". November 3, 2012. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved November 3, 2012.
  6. ^ ChrisWelch (October 16, 2014). "Apple introduces iPad Mini 3 with Touch ID, but an old processor". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on July 8, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2017.